The primary objectives of this lab are to combine expertise in transgenic technologies with reproductive sciences in an effort to generate relevant mouse models and to study developmental and genetic origins of disease. Successful reproduction relies on high quality gametogenesis and complex networks of tightly regulated signaling cascades can have a profound impact on fertilization and fetal development. Genetic determinants contribute significantly, however, the environments in which these events occur both in vitro (e.g. in vitro fertilization) and in vivo (uterine environment) also play an important role in influencing fetal development and offspring phenotype. In addition to standard transgenic services[4], ongoing collaborations are designed to identify and define factors that contribute to successful fertilization and fetal developmental disorders.